Growth Management Program Survey Results

The Growth Management Program Survey results have been posted at https://arcg.is/1W0Gnq.

The Municipal Planning Assistance Program scheduled three virtual focus group meetings to share the Maine Growth Management Program survey results. Because of the depth of information we received from survey respondents, each focus group covered different aspects of the survey. The focus groups were held as follows:

  • Focus Group #1 – November 8 (noon-2:00 pm) –  Improve the preparation of Comprehensive Plans and the State Review Process. Presentation available as a PDF.

  • Focus Group #2 – November 13 (4:00-6:00 pm) – Support Implementation of Comprehensive Plans. Presentation available as a PDF.

  • Focus Group #3 – November 14 (noon-2:00 pm) – Prioritize the most important Technical Assistance Resources to prepare Comprehensive Plans. Presentation available as a PDF.


The Maine Planning Basics Webinar Series

Presentations intended for those new to planning in Maine. This presentations respond to a significant increase in new planners in the State. Sessions are scheduled for the first Friday of each month from 12pm - 1:30pm. Find all presentations on our Webinars webpage.

Featured presentation -Sustainability and Resilience Planning, 11/1/2024: Join us for a webinar to explore the importance of sustainability and resilience planning. Learn how communities can build a more sustainable future by reducing their environmental impact, adapting to climate change, and enhancing their resilience to disasters. Our speakers, Abbie Sherwin, SMPDC Resilience Division Director and Karina Graeter, SMPDC Sustainability Division Director, will discuss best practices, share case studies, and provide valuable insights to help your community thrive in a changing world. Presentation available as PowerPoint and PDF.

Natural Hazards and Land Use Planning 101 Webinar Series

Webinars and workshops on minimizing natural hazards and boosting community resilience are scheduled from August 2024 to early 2025. These sessions are designed for municipal staff and volunteers and cover planning, vulnerability assessments, infrastructure, and ordinances. Find all presentations on the Webinars webpage.

Featured presentation Connecting Community Planning to Hazard Mitigation Planning, 10/24/2024. In the third session, we discussed incorporating hazard mitigation plans and community engagement into broader community planning and land use development efforts. Knox County EMA presented on the hazard mitigation planning process, what communities can do to better prepare for reporting after disasters, and how Knox EMA is using geographic information systems (GIS) to map hazards for the updated Knox County hazard mitigation plan. Joan Walton presented on opportunities to incorporate hazard mitigation into community planning, like capital improvement plans and the National Flood Insurance Program. Presentation available as a PDF.

Growth Management Program Evaluation - 2023

The quadrennial Growth Management Program Evaluation was presented to the Legislature's Joint Standing Committee on Environment and Natural Resources in 2024. The Growth Management Law (MRS 30-A Sec. 4331) requires an evaluation of the state, regional and local efforts to achieve the purposes and goals of the law. This report provides that evaluation by looking at three criteria: the location of growth, the level of local and regional planning, and the state’s financial commitment to growth management. Growth Management Program Evaluation - 2023.

Other Items of Interest...

EPA Stormwater Calculator
Demonstration for Planning Boards

Using funds provided in a grant from the Maine Coastal Program, the Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission has created a demonstration of EPA's online Stormwater Calculator. The step-by-step demonstration is designed to show local Planning Board members the effect Low-Impact Development (LID) stormwater management techniques can have when used in a hypothetical development scenario.

Why your town should have a Comprehensive Plan

Learn about some key benefits your community can enjoy by adopting a comprehensive plan that is consistent with Maine's Growth Management Act, including:

  • clear vision for future growth
  • ultimate legal support for land use ordinances
  • enhanced state grant opportunities

View the Comprehensive Plan Brochure (PDF)

Older "Findings of Consistency" expired at the end of 2012

A state Finding of Consistency for a local comprehensive plan is valid for twelve years. A temporary exemption for older Findings ran out on December 31, 2012. What does the expiration of a Finding of Consistency mean for your community?

View Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)

To Encourage the Preservation of Dark Skies: A Report to the Business, Research & Economic Development Committee

Viewing stars with the naked eye requires "dark skies" - night skies that are largely free of light pollution emitted by misdirected outdoor lights. Maine is one of the few places in the eastern United States that still has dark skies. This report, prepared in response to a legislative resolve calling for the preservation of this natural resource, reviews outdoor lighting standards for commercial development and offers options and recommendations for their promotion.

View the Dark Skies Preservation Report (PDF)